22 January 2015

Being Jack

This fourth and
last book winds up the exceptional Jack
series. It has been fourteen years since the release of I am Jack, inspired by the fact that Susanne’s son was bullied as a
boy. Translated all over the world, the Jack
series has encouraged many to fight against this scourge that has ruined or
taken lives of all ages, mostly those of school children. An anti-bullying
advocate, Gervay has used these stories as tools for awareness and movement
towards change in attitudes towards bullying.

In Being Jack, the same themes from the
previous books continue. Bullying is the main thread tied beautifully together
in tight, clever prose with loss - of a parent leaving, and loss and grief of losing
a much loved older grandparent. Ageing and its liberties, family, ethnic issues
and blended families weave into and through jokes and fun, and the agony of
change and growing up.

Jack is now thirteen. We view his private thoughts
and experiences. Due to Gervay’s ability to approach and express emotions with
rare sensitivity, we share all things with Jack.

Gervay loves
difficult subjects and drawing on real life has enriched her writing, and
therefore every reader’s life, regardless of age. As we say goodbye to Jack, we
must thank him and his creator for the life lessons we’ve learnt from his
character.